James R. Hoffa became a Teamster member in 1934 and served as General President for 14 years, and, in recognition of his tireless service to the union and its members, was honored as General President Emeritus for life. At the November 1999 General Executive Board meeting, then-General Secretary-Treasurer C. Thomas Keegel presented a resolution to establish the new scholarship fund. This site describes the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund (JRHMSF) and outlines eligibility requirements and application procedures.

The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund is an independent organization established and registered as a tax-exempt entity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund is established solely to provide scholarships to the child or dependent of a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and contributions to the Fund are deductible as charitable contributions to the extent permitted by law. In 2016 the Fund awarded $1,200,000 in scholarships.

In 2017, the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund distributed $1.4 million in scholarship awards to the sons and daughters of Teamsters in the U.S. and Canada. We appreciate the support of our local unions and joint councils who have kept this scholarship the strongest in the labor movement.

If an applicant indicates their plan is to attend a four-year college or university, they will be directed to the "Academic scholarship application". If an applicant indicates a plan to take a training or vocational course, they will be directed to the "Vocational/Training Program application".

For general questions about the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund, please call 855-670-ISTS (4787) or Email: contactus@applyISTS.com

As a Teamster member, there is a college tuition discount program that is available to you and members of your family. The ISTS Tuition Discount Network (TDN) is a list of For-Profit and Non-Profit colleges and universities that offer reduced tuition. The amount of the reduction can varies by school and can sometimes be as specific as major. Make sure you identify yourself as a Teamster when applying.